The Personal Telco Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Portland, Oregon dedicated to the idea that users have a central role in how their communications networks are operated. We do that by building our own networks that we share with our communities, and by helping to educate others in how they can too. To date, we have done this using Wi-Fi technology. We began in 2000 by turning our own houses and apartments into wireless hotspots (or "nodes"), and then set about building networks in public locations such as parks and coffee shops. There are currently about 100 active nodes participating in our project. We would like to see people and businesses in every corner and on every block of the city participating.

Want Internet?

Want to Help?

Personal Telco welcomes all comers. Whether you're a technology wizard or technically incompetent, volunteering with us is a great way to learn something new, enjoy teaching others, or use your skills to do something useful (or delightfully, artistically, hilariously non-useful!) Sign up for our mailing list, drop by our IRC live chat, or attend a meeting!

Want to Host a Network?

Are you an individual, business, housing project, neighborhood group or other organization that would consider sharing your internet connection with your friends and neighbors? There are many benefits to doing so, and only a few drawbacks — most of which can be overcome or minimized. Get in touch to learn more!

Contact Us

Help/general questions: <info AT personaltelco DOT net>Technical operational support: <ops AT personaltelco DOT net>Keep in mind that we are a volunteer based Network Operations Team and we will respond as soon as we can. More contact options...